Our Deliverer

The Bible uses three words, all translated “deliver” in English, to describe our coming rescue at the Rapture… “You turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from Heaven: Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9,10).

In the verse above, the word deliver means, “to rush toward in order to rescue FROM a coming danger.” The danger is the coming wrath of God… “Behold, the Day of the Lord is coming, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger… and I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their lawlessness” (Isaiah 13:9,11). No Believer will go through the Tribulation period.

The second word is found in Galatians 1:4… “Who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will (pleasure) of God our Father.” This word means “to rescue and BRING TO one’s side; to pluck upwards.” The focus in this word is on the delight of the Rescuer in bringing those rescued TO Himself.

The third word is found in Romans 8:21 where all creation eagerly anticipates the Rapture… “because creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” This word means to be set free from slavery. The focus is on the glorious new state of redemption they will enter.

Together these words provide a beautiful picture of the rescue of the Cross: Rescued FROM wrath, because we placed our faith in Christ’s death and resurrection for us. Rescued TO our Savior’s side; and rescued INTO the glory that awaits. What a Deliverer is ours! “The Rescue for sinners, the Ransom from Heaven, Jesus, Messiah – LORD of all!”

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)